Friday, February 27, 2009

Governor Mitch Daniels will be making a town hall appearance on March 6th, 12:00 Noon at the Griffith High School Auditorium. He will visit with members of Team Hammond Taxpayers' Group and Griffith citizens on the issues of Property Tax Relief and Government Reform. He wants to hear from Lake County residents who support local government reform.

The event is co-hosted by George T. Janiec of Team Hammond Taxpayers Group and the Griffith Town Council.

We encourage all Lake County taxpayers and voters that are concerned about Property Tax Relief and Government Reform to attend.There will be an opportunity to ask Governor Daniels questions about the pending legislation.

The Governor must feel tremendous trouble is ahead, if indeed he is calling for a tax rally to put pressure on the legislators to pass the tax caps.

There is a persistent rumor today, that I am inclined to believe, the governor's office contacted tax activist groups statewide to plead with them to come to a state house rally at 11:30 am on March 10th. State leadership is in a panic because they cannot get enough momentum in the house to approve the property tax caps legislation.

Minority Leader, Brian Bosma's pleas for a state house taxpayer rally started a couple weeks ago. Maybe that's who gave Governor Daniels the idea.

Problem is that the tax caps are not the permanent, long reaching relief we were promised.

WHY THE PROPERTY TAX CAPS ARE BAD LEGISLATIONThe problem with caps lies in the fact that our homes are still subject to a subjective assessment of value, for which the property owner has no control. We know from the thousands of homeowner appeals piled up and still unresolved from two years ago, that the property tax system in Indiana is terribly broken. It's bad policy to continue forcing Hoosiers to bend under this terribly unfair and broken system of assessment.

Further complicating the problem of caps is the fact if levies aren't high enough in individual taxing districts, they can still raise our property tax to cover spending.

And finally, why should landlords and farmers have to pay higher taxes? The cost of higher taxes would then be passed down to tenants, who will ultimately pay higher rent, therefore making it harder for them to save for homeownership. The farmers and businesses will have no choice but to embed the cost of higher taxes in the goods they sell.

Other ideas have been presented, including solid plans for repeal. Indiana has 150 other fees and taxes which are transparent.

The truth of this problem is that government officials do not want our taxation to be all that transparent. Not only that, but they use your property as collateral each time they have to go to the bond bank to borrow for their out-of-control spending habits. They like our current system because it is covert and complex. Let's them get it over on us better.

I commend the Governor for the work he does, and God knows his job is hard. However, if he really wants to have a huge show at the rally on March 10th (by people he doesn't have to pay to be there), then he needs slash our state budget and make the state's bill this year smaller than last year's bill. Deflation should help. All we've seen so far are bigger numbers than last year.

Below is an excerpt from a compelling piece of investigation by blogger/lawyer Gary Welsh condemning appointees on the Captial Improvement Board as working for their own self-serving interests and not those of the public. The piece is called "Unraveling the tangled web of conflicts on the CIB"

Volunteer citizen bloggers, who courageously attack local corruption, back room dealings, and cronyism, are once again the targets of paid political bloggers like Thomas Cook of Blue Indiana. These poltical blogging mercenaries believe they can make us disappear. They can't. We stand with the unpaid lawyers who serve as activist bloggers working on behalf of the taxpayers. And we know you stand with them too!

Gary Welsh writes:

"I consider it my civic duty to make the citizenry of this city and stateas knowledgeable as possible to help guard the public interest. It comes at apersonal cost, though, for those of us who are willing to stand up and fight forthis cause.

Paid bloggers who won't disclose who is paying them launch personaland defamatory attacks against us, calling us "batshit crazy bloggers" andseeking to discredit our volunteer work for the public good. Anonymous bloggersemployed by our city government and the Marion County Republican Party have launched a blog devotedentirely to discrediting citizen activist and fellow blogger Paul Ogden, oftentaking swipes at me and others as well along the way.

Sadly, the Citizen Kane mayoral candidate many of us fought so hard toelect when others in our party wouldn't give him the time of day, and whopromised us on his election night victory to end "country club politics" inIndianapolis as we know it, will not even give us an ear to hear our concerns.He won't even speak to me or acknowledge my presence when he sees me. Even U.S.Rep. Andre Carson, a politician who has been on the receiving end of many barbsfrom this blogger, always greets me with a friendly handshake and a smile.

No sooner had our new mayor taken office than the same governmentcontractors who populated his predecessor's campaign finance reports beganwriting similar checks to his campaign committee. True to form, publicly-fundedcontracts were rolled out to satisfy many of those same contributors.What thesepeople can't understand is that there are some people who still want toparticipate in the political process who aren't looking for a job or agovernment contract. We're driven by civic virtue and the public good.Unfortunately, we've created a political system at all levels of government inthis country where the free and unfettered are not welcome. If you cannot becontrolled, then just go away. Well, we're not going away and these people willjust have to learn to live with that fact. "

NEW YORK – Oklahoma's House of Representatives is the first legislative body to pass a state sovereignty resolution this year under the terms of the Tenth Amendment.

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 1003 Feb. 18 by a wide margin, 83 to 13, resolving, "That the State of Oklahoma hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States."The language of HJR 1003 further serves notice to the federal government "to cease and desist, effectively immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers."

The sponsor of the resolution, state Rep. Charles Key, told WND the measure was a 'big step toward addressing the biggest problem we have in this country – the federal government violating the supreme law of the land."

"The Constitution either means what it says, or it doesn't mean anything at all," Key said. "The federal government must honor and obey the Constitution, just like the states and this citizens of this country are obligated to do, or our system of government begins to fall apart."

The Ninth Amendment reads, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." The Tenth Amendment specifically provides, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."As WND reported, eight states have introduced resolutions declaring state sovereignty under the Ninth and Tenth Amendments to the Constitution: Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington.

Analysts expect 12 additional states may see similar measures introduced this year, including Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Nevada, Maine and Pennsylvania. Key argued that whenever "we allow the federal government, or any other government entity, to violate the Constitution, we destroy the Constitution one piece at a time."

"We have gone so far down that path that the Constitution is hanging by a thread right now," he said.

Last year, the same resolution introduced by Key passed the Oklahoma House, but the floor leader in the Senate, Democrat Sen. Charles Lassiter, used his authority to block consideration of the measure on the Senate floor.

But state Sen. Randy Brogdon has sponsored comparable legislation, and he told WND the "chances are excellent" it "will be passed in the Senate this session."

Brogdon said his bill, SJR 10, has made it out of committee and will be heard on the Senate floor in the next couple of weeks. The lawmaker said he will double-track HJR 1003 to increase the chances one of the sovereignty resolutions gets to the Senate floor.

"We going to work Rep. Charles Key's bill through the committee," Brogdon said, "and our goal in the Senate is to use HCR 1003 as the final bill."

Brogdon told WND he feels confident Democrats in the Oklahoma Senate will not be able to block the sovereignty measure this year.

"Last year, the Democrats in the Senate were able to veto consideration of Rep. Key's bill," he said, "but this year the Republicans are in control of the Oklahoma House and the Oklahoma Senate, for the first time in Oklahoma's history."

Oklahoma was the only state in the 2008 election in which every county voted for the Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain.

"The Democratic leadership in the state legislature has been outside the mainstream of the Democratic Party for decades in Oklahoma," Brogdon said. "We finally turned the corner in 2008, with Republican majorities in both House and Senate.

"We still have a Democratic governor in Oklahoma," Brogdon said, "but we hope to change that in 2010."

Brogdon is widely being mentioned as a Republican candidate for governor in 2010.Key crafted his resolution so it takes effect once the Oklahoma Senate passes the measure, even without the governor's signature.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

I never read Blue Indiana, as I find it to be partisan and sophomoric. The writers are not critical thinkers and they would never have the kahunas to speak out against their own party when they abuse power. Today proved why I don't read the blog.

A lot of our readers look at Advance Indiana and Ogden on Politics, written by republican lawyers who spend as much time calling out the crimes and criminals within their own party, as they do calling out the Democrats.

Today, Thomas Cook, the blogger paid by the democrats to blog for Blue Indiana, personally attacked volunteer helping the non-partisanREVOLT AT THE STATE HOUSE rally on March 25th.

It was juvenile, so I wrote to Thomas Cook:

"Hi there Blue Indiana,Thanks for promoting the non-partisan rally on Blue Indiana. However, I do wish you would attack the ideas being addressed and not the people. Do you think there is no problem with back room dealing, cronyism, property taxes, or corporate welfare in Indiana? Best Regards,Melyssa, volunteer"

He didn't answer my question, so I pressed him and he said:

"I didn't answer your question, because it is absolutely irrelevant toanything. Attacking people is more fun. "

So there you have it. He's paid by the democrats to attack people who stand up and fight for what is right. He sees back room dealings, corporate welfare, and cronyism as "irrelevant".

Thomas Cook would be wise to heed what life-long democrat Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people." We'll let you draw your own conclusions as to the size of Thomas' appendage. You can likely understand why I avoided it.

Last night the mayor suggested that people live downtown because of the Colts. Just how the hell does he know that? Has he lived downtown? Has he been part of the downtown scene there for years? Just where does he get this information? Bob Grand, maybe?

I lived downtown from 1986 to 1998. I lived there because I like historic districts. Back in the day I knew just about everyone who lived downtown. It was a small community. I can tell you first hand that we we were not there because of sports. We were there because we were urban pioneers.

This is a warning. It's about to unleash on Mayor Ballard if he doesn't demand that Irsay and Simon make up their own shortfalls!

WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH of Mayor Ballard who now sides with the elites over the people.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Tax activist, Jeff Hays, was with us in the trenches throughout the summer of 2007 protests. Yesterday he gave a candid interview to Fox 59's Kim King. Hays is one of our activists who I consider to be a leading state wide expert on the Indiana property tax crisis . His passion for the subject is heightened because he has lost more than one friend to suicide because of unbearable tax bills. He's been fighting the property tax system and the corrupt politicians behind it since 2003.

Jeff Hays has owned his northeastside Marion County home for three years. But he's ready to get out. "I think the big problem for people is they don't understand yet how bad it may be," said Hays. He says he expects his annual property tax bill to top $3,000 on a home he bought for $113,000.

"I'm trying to leave this county and this state as soon as I can," said Hays. "The problem is we don't know when these bills are now coming and how can one make a budget if you have no idea what the bills might be."

The Marion county assessor's office recently revealed property bills supposed to go out last November won't drop in the mail until spring.

"The assessors office along with the Treasurer's office and the Mayor and our new computer system are all working to get bills out on time as soon as we can," said Greg Bowles, Marion County Assessor.

Bowles said the 2007 reassessment process combined with upgrading an antiquated computer system caused the current bill delays. Bowles says he hopes to get bills cycling on time within one year. But local real estate agents say the unknown tax bills are a hindrance to home sales.

"The property tax situation in Marion count is questionable and it's the great unknown when it comes to closing on a house," said realtor Mike Johns. "In my opinion there is no reason for the tax situation to be as it is in Marion county."

Reportedly, CNBC has taken down the Tea Party poll, by the way, after about 250,000 responses, 94% in favor of Santelli’s Tea Party. Folks at the Sam Adams Alliance based in Chicago, are contacting Mr. Santelli to promote & advertise a July Tea Party.

Here in Indiana, on March 25th, we've been notified that there will be a citizen rally: Revolt At The State House, sponsored by several Indiana, political commentators & bloggers, revoltatthestatehouse.blogspot.com

Members of the legislature have asked citizens to "come on down" & make their voices known, which is only necessary because they only pretend to listen. People understand that bailouts are designed to perpetuate & protect government, not citizens. Folks, our freedom & way of life is on the line and one way or the other, citizens will have to take action; to first assert and then protect their rights.

Our Constitution is muscular but requires exercise. America's cultural couch is full of people who've forgotten how to exercise the very rights they own. The Constitution is a short read. It's not antiquated- it's the law! It's the law that protects you! If the rule of law (the civility of guaranteed freedoms) is "old fashioned," the alternative is barbarism & anarchy; seen anything resembling that recently... ? Continuing on a path toward socialism, because our government doesn't know, can't imagine or is too cowardly to do otherwise, is not the answer. The answers are vested in the people, not the government.

It's time for Americans to come together, explore options and take action. While it's not reasonable to expect that we agree on everything, we can probably agree that our rights & freedoms are threatened by the misdeeds of government at all levels; endangering the security & prosperity our representatives are CONSTITUTIONALLY BOUND to protect. Updates will be forwarded as they're made available.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Smoking is a disgusting habit to have. It will make you look older, smell bad and will likely kill you. I am a non-smoker. I should be on board with the smoking ban, right?

While it would be nice never to smell cigarette smoke again, my problem with this ban is clearly not the fact that I want to be able to smoke where I please. The argument that this legislation is intended to protect workers from the effects of second-hand smoke is BULLFART. I'm just calling it right now. If that is the case, then we should make smoking illegal all together! As a cable guy, I go into smokers' homes all the time. Does it bother me? Yes. Do I want to have written legislation banning their right to get their nicotine fix? NO. Who is looking out for my rights as an employee? Nobody. This is simply a case of protectionism and government trying to control the behaviors of citizens. Those who work in bars are usually smokers. Those who are not smokers know damn well what they are signing up for when they decide to work at a BAR!

What about the argument that patrons are subject to second-hand smoke? I don't frequent bars often. I don't drink. I don't smoke. What is the POINT?!?! There are several smoke-free bars popping up all over town. (Kudos to Brothers in Broad Ripple!) If there is a market for non-smoking establishments, they will flourish. Let the bar owners, and their guests, choose which direction they wish to take. If you have a problem with this, you have no business bar-hopping. I'm sorry, but that is just common sense. If seeing naked women bothers you, stay away from the strip clubs!

What would happen to the Cigar and Hooka Bars? There are at least 3 Hooka Bars in Broad Ripple. Without an exemption for these niche establishments, they would be forced to close their doors. Do we really need more job cuts?

My final point. The government relies heavily on the cigarette tax. When sales of these nasty little suckers start dropping dramatically, who do you think will foot the bill? We seem to target the smokers to pay for all of our pet projects and programs. Then we punish smokers further, for doing something that is completely legal, by banning them from smoking at their precious bar stools. . When we put the screws to them hard enough, they will eventually quit. While this would not be a bad thing, as their health would improve, it makes me wonder who will be the enemy next...

It would be nice to see folks stop pissin' and moanin' about the smoking ban. Instead of joining the ranks of Smoke Free Indy, how about starting your OWN smoke-free bar? We know that the market is hot for it right now! Oh wait. Most of these folks are Democrats who are used to sitting around waiting on the government to spoon feed them and wipe their behinds. Enough is enough. You got a compromise, which I am okay with. I don't think kids should be subjected to second-hand smoke. Grown-ups, however, have a choice. It SEEMS simple enough... but so does graduating high school and getting a job.

Locally owned Sullivan Hardware is giving 20% off everything in their store today and Sunday only!

Sullivan Hardware, located in the heart of Meridian Kessler neighborhood, is a great neighbor to many of our tax activists. The store is located in ground zero of the 2007 property tax protests. They also kindly sold the "FOR SALE BY OWNER DUE TO UNFAIR TAXATION" signs in the summer of 2007 at cost and helped us spread our unfair taxation message like wildfire!

If you need patio furniture, a grill, fertilizer, paint, or nuts and bolts, be sure to visit them. They've also got a great supply of top quality household cleansers too.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Friday, February 20, 2009 Indiana State Senator Greg Walker (District 41) is reported to have filed some form of what has recently come to be referred to as a "Sovereignty Resolution" whereby a state reasserts its rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constition and reminds the Federal Government of its constitutionally limited powers.

Although details are still pending a posting of the bill it is believed to be Senate Concurrent Resolution 37 (2009-2010) and that Senator Dennis Kruse (District 14) and popular Senator Mike Delph (District 29) might also be working with or supporting Sen. Walker's effort.

As many as twenty states are believed to have had similar resolutions introduced in 2009 including Arizona, New Hampshire (HCR 6) and Oklahoma. Oklahoma's resolution passed out of their House 83 to 13 this week and should be headed to their State Senate where a similar measure got hung up last year. The overwhelming 83 to 13 vote should send a clear message that state legislators from both major parties are growing tired of Federal authorities and elected officials overstepping clearly outlined constitutional guidelines and often with unfunded or underfunded mandates.

Constituents of the Indiana Senators, and other activists including Indiana Libertarians like former gubernatorial candidate Andrew Horning (Freedom, IN) and 7th District congressional candidate Sean Shepard (Indianapolis), have supported the idea. Mr. Horning, in fact, wrote a similar resolution many years back but was unable to find anyone who would introduce it at that time.

When I started investigating on this subject, I didn’t know that the answer would be this much clear. Now I have the answer in hand, and I feel this is the real answer, as this really relates to a lot other issues in a realistic way.

There are a few terms to be understood properly to understand the causes for the financial crisis in the US better. Those may be :

I truly believe that the American people do not realize the real reason for the Iraq war and the current war threat against Iran. It’s not the nukes, it’s not the terrorism and it’s not the oil. It’s all about the protection and propping up of the greatest con-job in the recent history, the US Petrodollar Scam.

Every country with a stable economy would be having a financial authority to regulate the monetary activities within the economy/country. In India it is the Reserver Bank of India (RBI), in China it is the People’s Bank of China, and in the US it is the Federal Reserve Bank. These authorities keep an eye on the market, understand the demand, scarcity, flow, etc. and introduce different methods with which they can keep the economy balanced, and hence maintaining the value of their currency. If needed, they have the authority to print currencies for their country as well. But always, when a country prints their currency, the country has an obligation towards the international market to be truthful with the pegged value. If a currency is pegged against gold, it means that country can have their currencies printed only up to the amount equivalent to the value of gold they possess or they can possess (as per the pegged value). If a country prints excess currency, then automatically the currency would get devalued, adjusting the excess money with the available gold (ultimately whoever keeps money with them as cash would suffer).

For better understanding, consider that a country have 50,000 units of gold and they peg the value of their currency as 1000 units of currency = 1 unit of gold. this means, the country is authorized to print currencies to reach an amount of 50,000,000 units of currency so that for each 1000 units of currency, the country can exchange 1 unit of gold. But instead of 50,000,000 units of currency, what if the country prints double the amount (100,000,000 units of currency)? In this case, as per the pegged ratio, the country have gold only for the first 50,000,000 units of currency and the rest of the money would be excess. So the value of currency would automatically go down to a situation where 2000 units of currency = 1 unit of gold so that for each 2000 units of currency, the country have 1 unit of gold for exchanging.

Back in 1971, the USA printed and spent far more paper money than they could cover by gold. When the French demanded redemption of their dollar holdings in gold, the USA discovered that they could not honour the debt, thus committing an act of bankruptcy. So the USA went to the Saudis to cut a deal - we’ll keep you in power, no mater what you do, as long as OPEC denominate all sales of oil in US dollars (which was termed as Petrodollar). The deal was done.

From that point, every nation that needed to buy oil had to firstly hold US dollars, which meant that they exchanged their goods and services for dollars, which the Americans just printed (which were actually worthless as the Americans actually didn’t have enough gold to pay anybody as per the pegged value of dollar). The Americans bought their oil literally for free by printing those dollars and using inflation to reduce their value. The ultimate free lunch for the Americans at the expense of the rest of the world.

However, the scam (the Petrodollar Scam) began to unravel when Saddam Hussein started selling Iraq’s oil directly for Euro, abrogating the cosy arrangement the Americans had with OPEC. Thus Saddam had to be stopped. How?

He could not be persuaded, so the USA concocted up a pretext to wage war (drama of twin tower blast, anti-terrorism movement by the US, and then suspecting iraq to hold nukes) and invaded Iraq. The first thing the Americans did in iraq was to revert sales of oil back to dollars. The currency crisis was averted for the moment.

But Hugo Chavez (Venezuela President) also started selling Venezuelan oil for currencies other than dollars, so there were a number of attempts on his life and “regime change”, traceable right back to the CIA. The petrodollar cat was out of the bag.

Iran President (Ahmedinejad), watching all of this, decided to kick The Great Satan in the goolies and do the same thing - sell oil for every currency EXCEPT US dollars. All of a sudden, despite intrusive IAEA inspections and compliance with the NPT and the inalienable right to enrich uranium, Iran was called as the next biggest threat for the world.

Sure, Iran was a threat to the USA, but not because of anything nuclear. What Iran was doing was compounding the economic destruction of the USA by becoming another member of the oil producers club that were bypassing NYMEX and IPE and selling oil for Euro, Yen and other currencies.

The problem for the USA is that those dollars fund not only the American lifestyle and the free lunch at the expense of the rest of the world, but they fund the US military, which is used to force the American will onto nations that threaten the USA economically, such as Iran.

Now the shell game started coming to an end for the Americans. Nations around the world started finding that they can buy oil for their own currencies instead of holding paper US dollars, and more OPEC nations are expected to abandon the dollar.

The worst thing for the Americans is that eventually, they will also have to buy their oil with Euro or Rubles instead of just printing paper money to get it.

Many people predict this to be the end of the American Empire, the end of funding for the US military and thus the destruction of the US economy. There’s not a lot that the USA can do about it, except to accept the fate or to start another world war. If the US accept the economic crisis, then the US dollars are expected to get devalued terrifically.

India is expected to be safe from the financial crisis because Indian Rupee is not pegged against US dollar, and Indian economy is not completely dependent on the US economy. But the areas where Indian economy is dependent on the US economy are expected to get affected.

This non-partisan event will be widely publicized in the next month to all corners of the state by a network of tax and policy activists who led the 2007 Property Tax Protests and The Indiana Tea Party.

Be warned. Our experts will shock you with their first hand knowledge of the shenanigans and arrogance of many of our government officials. Some of public servants even laugh at us behind our backs.

The theme of our revolt is "RULE OF LAW" & "TRANSPARENCY".

At the conclusion of the event, we will present a plan to our public servants in the legislature to bring full transparency of government directly into every citizen's home. Our team of lawyers are working on it now.

Please put the date on your calendar now, get the time off work if you need to, and make arrangements to come to do your part to control your government. Because that's the only way it can get done. It is our responsibility.

The Justice League of activists are doing the hard part. You just need to tell everyone you know to spend an hour and half with us at the Indiana State House on March 25th to demand Transparency and The Rule of Law.

The next GOP meeting in Washington Township looks like a very worthwhile evening. I attended one of their meetings recently as a blogger panelist to discuss the election results and was very impressed by the leadership of this group and how the meeting was run. The conversation was stimulating from my fellow panelists and the evening's guests.

You don't have to be a Republican to attend the meeting. If you join the GOP Club, there are small dues to pay. Cookies and sodas are served.

Max sent this to HFFT. Pelosi is a vile person that puts partisan politics and her own power agenda ahead of the American people. I couldn't help but share it. --Melyssa for HFFT

"Years ago when I sometimes used unsavory language, I often used the expression "Bull Sh*t." As I grew up a bit and discovered it was not necessary to use such crude language that expression became "BS" or in the military "Bravo Sierra"

What did I really mean when I used those expressions? I meant something was ridiculous, idiotic, a half-truth or just stupid. It covered any number of negative formats. The dictionary defines it as: nonsense; especially foolish insolent talk. Today I have decided I will no longer use either of those expressions in the future. When I have the need to express those feelings, I will simply use the word "Pelosi".

Let me use it in a sentence: "That's just a bunch of Pelosi." I encourage you to do the same. It is such a good word. It really packs a lot of punch. We are no longer being vulgar but it clearly expresses our feelings. If enough of us use it, it's possible we can actually get the word and its definition in the dictionary. That would be a true and excellent legacy for the Speaker of the House.

Justice & Fortitude catalogued the local and national news coverage of sitting councilman Ed Coleman's historic decision to abandon the Marion County Republican Party to join the Libertarian Party.

Tim Maguire, editor of J&F and Marion County LP Chairman tells HFFT, "Ed Coleman was on Abdul, the Dave Wilson show, will be on Amos on Thursday, and there will be more to follow. TV didn't pick up on it, but papers and radio have. The blogs have gone nuts, and all comments and responses have been 95% positive, commending Ed. "

Monday, February 16, 2009

This is not a decision I take lightly, nor did I come to it without deep reflection.I have found that the direction of the Republican Party has changed, and it is not the same party I joined many years ago. Nor do I believe its current leaders truly represent the ideals that the party markets and advertises to voters.

Both of the old two parties have forgotten their ties to the common man, and instead focus on power and control as elitists.I am a common man, I campaigned for the common people, and I still represent the common people; the voters and taxpayers.

I have come to find that my politics are actually more aligned with the Libertarian Party than any other; a party that still allows free thought, a party where dissent is not necessarily a dirty word.

Both of the old parties endeavor to silence dissent.During the Council’s previous period of Democrat control, the majority’s powers were used to silence Republicans.Now, under Republican control, the Council majority abuses their power to weaken Democrat influence.Over the past year I have been criticized for votes I made in response to the concerns I heard from my constituents.As a leader I have spoken out again the secretive and expensive affairs of the Capital Improvement Board; but the two old parties want obedient followers, not leaders.

I'm not sure if our readers understand the magnitude of what has happened.

An important spark of America's Re-volution just ignited in Indianapolis. And it is because of you. For without you, the citizens of Indianapolis who yearn for Libertarian policy, an environment upon which a seed of Libertarian ideology could not catch air to ignite.

Air is given in abundance by Abdul on his WXNT 4-hour morning show. Sources tell me that Ed's surprise departure from the Republican party just might be the topic tomorrow morning. HFFT is certain that Abdul's close pal, Tom John, is already in touch in an attempt to see if he can influence tomorrow's show spin.

However, it is YOU, Abdul's audience of loyal listeners, callers and advertiser patrons that have the say. It's that way because Abdul and WXNT saw fit to set it up that way.

I suspect Abdul's ratings will be the highest in his show's history tomorrow. Be sure to tune in to thank Abdul for giving the Libertarians, as well every other political party, a generous platform to discuss policy. While you are at it, remind him that you shall remain a most loyal listener as long as he keeps it up!

Most of all let Ed know by your comments here, on his Facebook page, and when you see him, that he has your support and deep respect for this amazing act of Courage. Ed shows us an example of a true American Patriot. And hopefully, with a little luck we make for ourselves, Ed's display of political strength will not create enemies, but shall serve to bring us together around sound and practical ideas that benefit our citizens before party.

HFFT just received notice of tomorrow's press conference announcing that city councilman-at-large, Ed Coleman, is leaving the Republican Party to join the Libertarian Party. I'm not sure, but I don't think any other elected official has defected. Please pipe up to correct me if I'm wrong. This act of courage on Ed's part just might make national news.

You all can blame me, because I may have been the first to invite Ed to one of our friendly Libertarian gatherings last fall when the Mayor cut the arts budget.

If you are free tonight, there's a Libertarian After Hours on the south side at the Oaken Barrel. Please feel free to join us, no matter what your party affiliation. You will never meet a better bunch of politically astute and ethical people.

HERE'S THE PRESS RELEASE: INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Libertarian Party of Marion County and Libertarian Party of Indiana has called a press conference for 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 17th in the Capehart Room, 4th Floor of the Columbia Club at 121 Monument Circle where an existing, elected representative will announce a change of affiliation to the Libertarian Party.

Libertarian Party officials will make statements, provide additional information and will be available for questions at that time.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that utlitizes some of the smartest IT geeks and lawyers in this country to keep the Internet free. Below is a summary of initiatives they are taking to hold Obama to his promise of open government.

When President Obama, in one of his first official acts, issued directives committing his new administration to creating “an unprecedented level of openness in Government,” we joined with other transparency advocates in welcoming the announcement of a new direction. After eight long years of the most secretive administration in modern times, the President’s action was a breath of fresh air that seemed poised to bring the change he had promised to the critical realm of government information policy. While we continue to be optimistic, we believe that public interest organizations like EFF must remain aggressive in our pursuit of transparency to ensure that the reality matches the rhetoric.

To that end, we have taken several actions that are likely to provide early glimpses into the Obama Administration’s approach to open government issues.

First, we have asked the federal courts that are hearing several of our Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuits to postpone or “stay” further proceedings until Attorney General Holder issues new guidelines on FOIA implementation as directed by the President. It seems logical to us that a new regime devoted to “unprecedented” disclosure of information would welcome the opportunity to revisit withholding decisions made under previous, more restrictive policies, but so far we’ve gotten mixed messages from the Justice Department. In one case in which we seek information about the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), Justice joined us in asking the court to stay proceedings until the new FOIA guidelines are issued and the agency can assess their impact on the disputed documents, and the court agreed. In another case involving the FBI’s massive Investigative Data Warehouse, DOJ opposed our motion for a stay, but the court issued an order directing the FBI to inform the court within 60 days “as to whether [its] position has changed” in light of the new policy announced by the President. In other lawsuits – involving the Automated Targeting System and lobbying efforts for “telecom immunity” – the government is opposing our requests for stays and the courts have not yet decided the issue.

Second, we have submitted requests directly to the White House for information concerning two high-profile technology issues that have emerged in the early days of the Obama Administration. In a letter sent to White House Counsel Gregory Craig on January 27, we requested information about the use of cookies on the WhiteHouse.gov website, noting the controversial privacy implications of the practice. While recognizing that the Counsel’s Office is not subject to mandatory disclosure requirements under FOIA, we asked Mr. Craig, in keeping with the President’s stated commitment to transparency, to nonetheless make relevant information public. After not receiving a response to our initial request, we sent Mr. Craig a reminder yesterday, reiterating the public interest in information about the privacy practices of federal websites.

And just today, we sent a request letter to the White House’s Office of Administration seeking disclosure of information about the President’s “Blackberry” (or whatever type of handheld device he uses) and policies governing the use of various electronic communications devices and systems by the President, Vice President, and White House staff. Electronic messaging raises a host of issues under federal open records laws, and we believe the public has a right to know about the policies and procedures that have been put in place to ensure compliance with those laws. There’s an interesting wrinkle to this request: the Bush Administration took the position (for the first time in history!) that the White House Office of Administration is not subject to FOIA. A federal judge agreed with that position and the issue is now on appeal. But as we’ve said to the White House in our request letter, if President Obama would (as he has said) like to “usher in a new era of open Government” and “creat[e] an unprecedented level of openness in Government,” it seems like a good place to start is right in the White House by reversing the Bush policy that banished FOIA from the premises. We’re hopeful that the President will agree.

Everyone (Democrats, Republicans, Independents) are welcome to attend. This is a casual gathering of people who share a desire for small, accountable, constitutionally sound government. I expect a record number to attend this very popular gathering tonight.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Today's editorial in The Indy "afraid-to-step-on-toes" Star timidly suggests that it is time for the Colts and Pacers to pay for stadium overruns. A quick glace at all but one of the comments left, indicate that there is a citizen taxpayer revolt coming that will make the 2007 property tax protests look like a child's tea party.

The saddest part is that Mayor Ballard, who promised to always stand by the taxpayer, has abandoned us for his new elite friends. Even the most steadfast of his supporters, like myself, are feeling betrayed. It's mostly sad for the Mayor because he will not have a soul behind him when his elite new friends back stab him.

A SAMPLING OF BREWING CITIZEN OUTRAGE:

"The Hulman family has put Indianapolis in the national spotlight for FREE. The Hulman family also brings in more to the economy than the Pacers and Colts combined. Not to mention all the other benefits that come from racing. The many racing teams and businesses that live and spend money in Indiana. The Hulman family brings 3 Superbowls to the city every year."

"A 1% professional sports gross income surcharge upon the gross income of professional sports teams, and a 1% professional sport player surcharge upon their income earned within the stadiums."

"$720 million for a new Colts stadium? $15 million year for the Pacers to operate their new complex? $0 a year to tell the Pacers and Colts to hit the road. Priceless!!!!"

"We all know that Wall Streets profits were an illision. Its now time Professional Sports discovers its business model of having taxpayers subsidize $100 million dollar player contracts and getting free rent on billion dollar stadiums is not a sustainable business model."

"The state didn't make the building 2 1/2 times the size of the dome the CIB and the Colts did!"

"This scandal has been building and building (or taxing and building) since Hudnut. Now, with outstanding bond obligations (including debt service) on at least four sports venues (Market Square, RCA Dome, Lucas and Conseco--only two of which still exist) being compounded by undisclosed understating of operational costs, the true story is finally getting aired.How about some accountability from the former mayors, Governors and elected officials who cooked this crack-coccaine scheme to further enrich themselves and their rich friends? Hudnut and Goldsmith are long gone, pursuing their careers as lobbyists, million dollar a year law partners, and visiting professors. Peterson is lunching with the developers that he helped become millionaires. Who is left to pay for their greed and duplicity?"

Irsay won't take it because he know, along w/ all the other "brilliant" business and government leaders that made the deal, that it would still lose him money.

"The 50 million the Colts gave was from the city for breaking the old lease to give them new dig's! It is also interesting that the Pacers lose a million and the discussion is about 15 million.....what about all the other valuble buisnesses out there losing money....guess they have no "public value" "

"The stadiums are just a big playground for law firms, lobbyists, legislators, and their personal friends. Power never condedes anything without a demand (from Frederick Douglass).The demand is NO TAXES, OR RIOTS IN THE STREETS."

"The Indianapolis corporate base is way to smail(and shrinking) to support these professional teams, either they support themselves like a real business or they can go. We can't afford corporate welfare, we've got to pay for this prokulus bill now, we're all screwed, including the professionsl teams in htis city."

"Bottom line is that Indianaplolis cannot afford its professional sports teams. The city should be required to do the same thing that its citizens must do when they find themselves in the same situation - cut back. Either the Colts and Pacers pay their way or they hit the road, like there is any place that would take them. Instead of bending over, the City should play hardball with the ultra-rich guys. The rich guys can afford it."

"Given the role of business in lobbying asa garantee of "free speech" and their influence in our politics-example banks getting $350 billion" with no accountability-we are a commercial republic-what's good for business must be good for the citizens-right?"

"Charge the Pacers and Colts more instead, and let them raise ticket prices."

"Put the load where it needs to be. add the colts players to the list with irsay, let them share the wealth too. the only thing better would be to pay for the construction costs now & do what ever they want at the stadium."

"Tickets were $5 huh, the pacers finally figured out that their thugs are worth $5 a game. i would not pay that. i am so glad i don't live in indianapolis & have to pay taxes every time i get a burger to support a team that tries so hard to self destruct. i don't want any of my tax dollars going to the colts either. pro sports are totally out of control, no person is worth millions a year to play a game. our schools are putting to much in sports & not enough in the 3 r's. sports are all out of control, it's all about dollars not the sport. i don't know how the colts got their new home financed, but I would bet Mitch Daniels & tax payer money comes in to play somewhere. if these welfare sports(sports that need tax payer money to survive) can't make it on their own, dump them!"

"I say let the Pacers leave if they demand a contract change. Conseco is used a lot without them anyway. Just schedule a few more high school and college bball tournaments, concerts, etc. High school teams would draw almost as many fans as them anyway."

"If Irsay won't re-negotiate with the city, the city shouldn't renegotiate with the Pacers! Colts are doing awesome yet the city can't afford to run their facility? Great job by Peterson and others of setting up an awful contract. A ticket tax would be feasible on Colts tickets. But the Pacers fans wouldn't pay any extra. Pacers can only give away tickets at this point. Pacers have a chance to make some improvement with Granger and Dunleavy a solid core. But I don't think they're going to start selling out games unless they draft or sign a marquee player. Instead of charging ticket holders a tax, Irsay nees to start paying the city rent for the stadium and for maintenance costs. "

"The Pacers are doing poorly because of decisions made by people the Simons hired. This is not "our" problem. If ordinary citizens can't renegotiate their loans after they've made bad decisions, then billionaires shouldn't be allowed to renegotiate their contracts either. Don't bet on this happening though. I'm sure there already are high level negotiations taken place in violation of open meetings laws to stick it to the taxpayers. It would be nice to have a democracy and not a plutocracy."

"Let me repeat once again, NO NEW TAXES PERIOD! Let the people that use the stadium pay for it. I don't use any of those facilities, but I pay for that sorry a** staudium everytime I got out to eat which isn't that often now! But NO MORE."

"Let the Pacers and Colts leave town. We can use the empty space in LOCO Stadium to house the National UFO Museum. A UFO Museum will make us World Class."

"Let's close Conseco for now and let's have the Pacers play in the Wigwam in Anderson. Anderson needs to close it. The Pacers could play at the Wigwam and when they earn it, they can move to the Colliseum and when they can draw a crowd on a regular basis, they can have Conseco back. We are all out here getting nickle and dimed to death by our taxes while half of us are taking a pay cut or losing our jobs. We can't afford to go see these teams because we have to pay our taxes and eat. Give the regular guy a break here. Wait, us regular people can't afford to go to the games anyway."

"alk about chickens coming home to roost... Bart Peterson, with the blessing of the Star gave Jim Irsay everything he asked for in his contract. He did so while constantly repeating the benefits of having an NFL team in the city. He said they'd bring in millions of tax dollars and the that the city would revitalize. That must be why Forbes listed Indianapolis as tying with Jacksonville, Florida for the ninth emptiest city in the nation. The Colts have what they want and anyone who thinks that they might give any of it back is kidding themselves. Like Irsay says, "A deal's a deal." He has the city over a legal barrel and he knows it. He will continue to bleed the city until the CIB cannot afford to pay the stadium employees. At that point, I'd look for the Mayflower trucks to start circling the Colts complex. Then we'll be stuck with a huge white elephant and further in debt. Pacers take note. The taxpayer well has run dry."

"I love my pro teams, but come on....you all throw money around like it is tissue and want us to make up your losses? NO! The Pacers put an inferior product on the floor and now the are reaping what they sowed. Sorry guys, gonna have to cut the bugdet like the rest of us. None of those players deserved any bonuses and now you want Joe Citizen to help cover it...what it wrong with America today?"

"Does everybody realize you pay for the Pacers in YOUR cable TV bill?V In the Fall of 1996 the City-County Council increased the cable TV franchise fee from 3% to 5%, with the provision that the first 50 cents of each subscriber's bill would go to the Pacers (via the CIB). How much do we pay now?"

"More people making too much money wanting a bailout from the working poor."

"this is such a mess"

"Maybe they could cut a bit from the LOS budget by getting rid of the people standing at every aisle checking your ticket the entire game, every time you go to the can or get a hot dog. Trust me, I would NEVER try to sneak into my craptastic seats in the corner of the upper deck... which by the way are the same price as row one on the 50 upper deck... but I digress..."

"Free advertising! What about the quality of life. While Millionaires {athletes and owners rake in huge sums of money the avaerage citizen struggles to make ends meet!)Our streets and sidewalks are crumbling and your worried about adverstising. Wat to go Star you should have been out in front of this story when the$ 123 or what ever the huge sum of money paid by Lucas for naming rights went to the COLTS! You thunk? What about our news stations everybody is to busy drinking the same Kool-Aid."

"Given the actions of the Pacers players the last couple of seasons I think we should sue the organization for damaging the reputation of the city. It SHOULD go both ways."

"Nice try. I assure you that these people didn't become wealthy by giving money away. Not that they shouldn't. But they won't."

Hat tip to Downtown Indy for this jewel. The Pacers (and City Hall) are trying to find leverage in scaring the public that the Pacers will move to Seattle if they don't get their $15 million shakedown from the taxpayers. That's not true. The People have the upper hand! Straight from Seattle, you can read that their taxpayers don't want this burden either.

BALLARD'S STATEMENT:I hope you will join me in supporting Tom John's re-election as Chairman. Tom has a plan moving forward to continue our party's success. He will work to grow our party's ability to communicate by engaging the newest, most innovative ways to communicate with voters and volunteers, ranging from e-mail and social networking websites to internet video and text messaging. We must stay the course and work toward the goals we set during the 2007 campaign. Simply put, I need a partner to continue my fight for the taxpayers of Marion County. Tom has shown himself to be a worthy partner and stalwart supporter in these efforts.

There it is. He boldly states that he's working FOR the taxpayers of Marion County? Oh really? Then why so quiet, Mayor Ballard, on the stadium budget shortfall? Why aren't you in there fighting for us?

YOU, Sir, are fighting for your new elite friends, not us. How do you live with yourself these days?

For more insight into the incompetence and power grabbing of Tom John, do read Advance Indiana today.

Nancy Pelosi has just enough time to catch her flight to Rome to be honored by the Pope. THAT is priority one, my fellow Americans!

Who cares if she didn't give our Congresspersons enough time to read the bill that will ultimately be paid by our grandkids and their kids. I spent more time on the details when I signed a simple mortgage for my house.

Rep. John Culberson, TX claims the "stimulus" bill must be urgently voted on today -- because Speaker Nancy Pelosi is leaving at 6:00 PM for an 8 day trip to Europe!

Culberson made the charge on Houston's KSEV radio. Pelosi is hoping to lead a delegation to Europe; there's a meeting with the Pope and an award from an Italian legislative group. Calls to Pelosi's spokesman went unreturned.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

The Marion County Library debacle was only a warm up to the Lucas Oil Stadium mismanagement of taxpayer funds.

All the elite insiders have their hands in this mess and there is no one, not one person, fighting for the taxpayer right now except for a couple activist lawyer bloggers, Gary Welsh and Paul Ogden. Both of these courageous lawyers are lifelong republicans and know their way the manure spread without conscience by the country club members of the GOP.

Our beloved Mayor Ballard, who promised he worked for us, is deafeningly silent on this mess. And while Mayor Ballard had nothing to do with the creation of this problem, we hired him to straighten out previous messes...even if it costs him short term political clout with his new country clubbing friends. If the mayor does nothing about this problem, I am quite sure that it will cost him a re-election, no matter how much money the new friends he made after he was elected, give to his now enriched campaign coffers.

Ballard deferred millions of much needed city park maintenance, which are free facilities for Indy's citizens, yet says nothing while $60 million or so is being asked for a stadium that most citizens can't afford to ever use.

HFFT wants to know if Senator Luke Kenley is paid by the Colts, Irsay, Pacers and Simons to work for their interests in the State legislature? It's certainly starting to look that way. Each wealthy party who benefits from this extensive corporate welfare project gives generously to Kenley's campaign chest.

In this interview last night with WIBC's Steve Simpson, Senator Kenley talks about what might be amenable to the Colts and Pacers, yet never once talks about what is amenable to us, the taxpayer!

Senator Kenley refused to suggest that millionaire players salaries should be cut. Instead he offered that the people who clean the linens in the stadium should offer up their share because the multi-millionaire Irsay will never recoup his investment! Keep in mind, that Irsay already gets half of all events at the stadium, all the advertising revenues, and money from the concessions.

In contrast let's look at the Indianapolis Speedway operation. Here is a huge facility which must be maintained and staffed that does not ask for a dime from taxpayers. How is it that they make that model work?

Why are the Pacers and Colts deserving of anything more from our citizens' wallets? Why did Mayor Ballard, supposedly the 'People's Mayor', say nothing about this crisis after appointing the Simon's very own business attorney, Bob Grand, to head the CIB (Capital Improvement Board). Mayor Ballard put an attorney representing the Simons in there and no one representing the taxpayers. This isn't the mayor I knew before he got elected.

The time is now for Mayor Ballard to own his power, to speak for the citizens of Indianapolis, and to fight for us like he promised. He should never forget that The People own the trump card in this negotiation.

THE TAXPAYERS TRUMP CARDS:If Irsay and the Colts pack up and leave town, the taxpayers will then get to keep ALL the revenue from the Monster Truck Rallies, Ice Capades, Concerts, Final Fours, Car Shows, and every other event held in the stadium. Right now, we only get half.

Los Angeles can't afford to build a stadium for the Colts (California is bankrupt) and Seattle can't afford the Pacers. If either team DID leave our city after they were built these two Taj Mahals, they would have a major PR disaster on their hands and neither would ever risk the negative PR at a time when all teams are struggling to sell high priced tickets in a weakened economy.

Indianapolis will get the Super Bowl in 2012 even if the Colts leave town.

This is an opportunity to stay involved in the movement with an established, reputable group --the Republican Liberty Caucus. Ron Paul himself served as National Chair in 1996.

The Indiana Chapter has already been chartered (learn more at www.inrlc.org) and State Chair, Charlie Kochenash will be driving down from Northern Indiana to speak and answer questions at tonight's CALLOUT meeting. We need to know if we have enough interested folk in Indy and surrounding counties to start a Central Indiana RLC. I have faith we do.

If you're looking for a way to continue working toward economic and personal freedom, this is a great place to devote your time. We NEED you.

Mark your calendar. Bring your friends! Forward to other groups where you are a member.

Among the options being considered, according to the Indianapolis Star, are a food and beverage tax hike, a hotel tax hike, a sales tax increment financing district (which would just divert sales taxes that would otherwise go to the state treasury), a ticket surcharge (which, contrary to what the Star claims, would mostly come out of the pockets of the Colts and other local teams, who would be limited how much they could raise ticket prices, not local fans), and lease concessions from the Colts and Pacers. Noting that the Pacers are expected to demand a sweetheart lease akin to the Colts', U of Indianapolis sports marketing professor Larry DeGaris remarked, "On one hand, the city has already played its hand by building the stadiums -- it would be a shame to have these two huge white elephants Downtown (if the teams, in particular the Pacers, opt to move to new cities).

But the teams don't have the same leverage now, either. Where are the Pacers going to go that can help them?"

All this, on top of the $715 million that local taxpayers spent to build the Colts' new stadium in the first place, could leave the public on the hook for more than $1 billion in construction and operation costs. But then, it's not like anyone could have predicted that the stadium would lose money for its public owners once it opened - oh, wait...

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Early this year, selected delegates representing the People of each of the fifty states will convene in Philadelphia to debate our constitutional crisis and establish practicable strategies the People can take, en masse, to peacefully reclaim Liberty and restore Constitutional Order.

These historical proceedings will be known as the “Continental Congress 2009.”

Taking a page from the history of America’s Founders, the Delegates will convene in Philadelphia across from Independence Hall for a period of several weeks to begin the virtuous tasks of organizing to resist tyranny and imposing, once again, the yoke of Law upon our servant federal government.

A series of promotional meetings is currently being held across the country to advance public interest in the initiative and to expose potential donors to this most important cause in the defense of Liberty and the Constitution.

"What must a free people do, and what is the appropriate next step, if Mr. Obama refuses to respond to our Open Letter and the Supreme Court refuses to hear the Petitions by attorneys Donofrio, Berg and Taitz challenging Obama’s citizenship status?” asks Bob Schulz, executive director of We the People Foundation, the organizer of the Continental Congress 2009.

"A violation of the natural born citizen clause of the Constitution by Mr. Obama is so egregious and blatant in its nature that it marks the overt and wholesale abandonment of the Constitution by the Government, making this our “capstone grievance,” he told Newswithviews.com during an exclusive interview.

According to the group, the US faces a grave constitutional crisis including:

• Endless armed Middle East conflicts without congressional Declarations of war

• And the most grievous injury: A servant government that refuses, at every turn, to be held accountable – in any way - by failing to respond to the People’s repeated First Amendment Petitions for Redress of Grievances.

Early this year, selected delegates representing each of the fifty states will convene in Philadelphia to debate constitutional crisis and establish strategies the People can take to peacefully reclaim Liberty and restore Constitutional order.

These historical proceedings will be known as the Continental Congress of 2009.

Taking a page from our Founders, the Delegates will convene in Philadelphia across from Independence Hall for a period of several weeks to begin the tasks of organizing to resist tyranny and imposing, once again, the yoke of law on what they see as a servant government.

A series of promotional meetings is currently being held across the nation to advance interest in the initiative and to expose potential donors to the important cause in defense of Liberty and the Constitution.

During his interview with NewsWithViews.com, Schulz said, “In light of the money clauses of the constitution the Federal Reserve System is unconstitutional.”

“We, the people have not authorized the government to give or lend public money or credit to private corporations for definitively private purposes. The Treasury and Fed bailouts are unconstitutional,” said Schulz.

“We, the people have not authorized the government to create a North American union that would, for all intents and purposes, erase our northern and southern borders. The development of a North American Union is unconstitutional,” he added.

According to Schulz, the purpose of the Congress is to assemble representatives of the People of every state to discuss and debate not only the litany of violations the Constitution now being endured by the People, but to develop and commit to a practicable course of action to set straight errant public servants, restore the Rule of Law and reclaim the Blessings of Liberty once more for our Republic and American children.

Here are the highlights as provided by the group:

1. Three delegates from each state will assemble to discuss our constitutional problems and to agree on a course of action to cure the problem.2. We are asking the people in each State to nominate and then choose up to three individuals to represent the People from their state at the National We The People Congress.3. The Delegates will assemble for up to one month, or until they agree on a course of action, whichever occurs first.4. The nominees must have a proven passion for the Constitution as authors, scholars, or activists. They should be of established respectable character if not “pillars of the community.” 5. The nominees must be without felony convictions and preferably be clear of problems with the IRS (we cannot afford to make it easy for people to paint the delegates with any kind of brush, such as “tax-protestors”).6. The nominees should be able to cover their expenses associated with the undertaking, either on their own account or with the assistance of the people from their state.7. Most importantly, the Delegates must understand that the Delegation’s primary objective will be settling on a course of action to cure the problems we have with our rogue Government. That course of action may well be a written demand of the Government that they respond to each of the several Petitions for Redress of violations of the Constitution, or they (the Delegates), along with hundreds of thousands if not millions of their fellow countrymen back home (who by then will have committed to stand in support of the agreed upon course of action), will withdraw their allegiance and support from the federal Government until their Grievances are Redressed.8. We expect the Delegates will assemble in Philadelphia at the Constitution Center across from Independence Hall.9. Stenographers will prepare a digital transcript of the entire event for purposes of the historic record, recording all that is said.10. The Delegates from each state will be responsible for populating their State-level Congress web page with daily communications and updates from the National We The People Congress proceedings so the People from their State can be kept abreast as events unfold. Online discussion boards will be also available to facilitate communications for each state.11. The entire event will be webcast live from Philadelphia.12. Space will be provided in the meeting hall for members of the press, government and public, who will be able to observe the discussions, deliberations and debates, but not participate in or film them.

“When a long train of abuses, usurpations and refusals to respond to Petitions for Redress of violations of the Constitution evinces a conspiracy to transition our Constitutional Republic to a pure democracy, or to otherwise strip us of our Liberties and reduce us to serfdom under absolute despotism, it is the right of the People to alter the Government, pro-actively, non-violently and with critical mass,” said Schulz.

The straw that appears to have broken the camel’s back for the We the People Foundation is the unresolved issue of Mr. Obama’s eligibility to be President of the United States.

According to Schulz, Barack Obama has steadfastly refused to respond to any of the Petitions requesting he provide documentary evidence about his place of birth or other information needed to conclusively establish his citizenship status.

“He has ignored our Petition for Redress of the Grievance, published in the Chicago Tribune as an Open Letter. He has hired law firms to fight the lawsuits seeking evidence of his eligibility, rather than simply provide the evidence, strongly suggesting he has no such evidence and as such, is ineligible to hold the Office of President,” said Bob Schulz.